LeGarrette Blount will return to Bill Belichick's stable.
The running back, released by the Steelers on Tuesday, was at the Patriots' facility Thursday and subsequently signed a deal, the team announced. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the contract is for two years, per a source informed of the situation.
Blount was cut this week after leaving Monday night's game early, displeased that he didn't get a single carry in Pittsburgh's win over the Titans.
Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports Blount will make the veteran minimum this season. The veteran back passed through waivers on Wednesday, allowing the Pats to sign him at a lower rate.
Blount spent last season in New England, compiling 772 yards on 153 carries with seven touchdowns. His most memorable performance came in a playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts, in which he ran for 166 yards and four scores.
The Pats will add Blount to a backfield of Jonas Gray -- coming off a 201-yard, four-score game -- and Shane Vereen as the current mainstays. New England released first-year defensive lineman Casey Walker to free space on the 53-man roster.
It's such a savvy, Belichickian move to add a piece late in the season for the veteran minimum. The bruising back could come in handy as the weather dips in Foxboro down the stretch of the season. At the very least, the Pats got cheap labor that has shown success in their system.
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